The first significant decision of making an office design is how to arrange the space. Cubicles are the traditional layout, while open floor plans have become popular recently. Each design offers its own benefits and shortcomings; here are a few to help you decide which is right for your space.

Cubicles

Advantages

Cubicles section off space for each employee so that they feel they have a desk that truly belongs to them. They can personalize it and have some level of privacy. They’re also less likely to be distracted by their co-workers since the walls help contain sound and limit the view. Workers can concentrate better thanks to fewer distractions.

Disadvantages

The cubicle office design can make employees feel trapped because sometimes the space can feel small and dark. This isolation can make them feel less connected to their team members and managers. Combat this with team breaks throughout the day where they can spend time with each other. Encourage an open-door policy with managers, allowing employees to walk in for a conversation. Cubicles are also more costly to set up, so view them as an investment and plan to use them for years; the cost will be worthwhile.

Open Floor Plan

Advantages

An open floor plan encourages collaboration among your team. It’s easy to brainstorm ideas with coworkers or work together on large projects when the team is visible and within talking distance. The lack of barriers allows for more communication between managers and their subordinates, which can make employees feel more valued. As your team grows, the open office design is easy to adjust to accommodate new additions. This layout also makes the space feel larger and allows light to permeate the entire room.

Disadvantages

Because everyone can see and speak to one another, there are more opportunities for distraction. Employees may have difficulty concentrating when overhearing a coworker’s phone call, or they may be more likely to strike up a non-work-related conversation. Workers can use noise-canceling headphones to help with this. The closeness to other team members also means that sickness can spread quickly. Set up daily cleaning of the office and provide hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of germs during flu season.

Creating the optimal office design is easy with the help of an experienced professional. Whether you want an open floor plan or cubicles, Interior Landscapes creates aesthetically pleasing and functional office layouts in Kansas City, MO. Their team has more than 150 years of combined experience in commercial design services. Explore their business online, or call (314) 755-2220 to schedule a consultation.